As Scoville
followed, he saw that the girl was trembling violently, and he was
thus able to grasp in some degree the courage she was manifesting in
her first half-desperate essays toward freedom. "Poor child!" he
thought, "her fright is surpassed only by her determination. How
easily they could manage her by a little tact and kindness!"
She pointed to a chair near the hall door and faltered, "Lieutenant
Scoville, I scarcely know whether I am doing right in seeing you
here alone. I know little of the usages of society. I do not wish to
appear to you unrefined."
"Miss Baron," he replied kindly, "I do not know why you have not the
same right which other young ladies enjoy, of entertaining a
gentleman at your home."
"Oh, I am so glad that you are not angry."
"I was never more lamb-like in my disposition than at this moment.
Moreover, I wish to thank you as a brave girl and a genuine lady."
She was almost panting in her strong excitement and embarrassment.
"Please remember," she said, "that I do not wish to do or say
anything unbecoming, but I know so little and have been so tried--"
"Miss Baron," and he spoke low for fear he would be overheard, "I
already know something of what you have passed through and of your
brave assertion of a sacred right.
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